As a student you are constantly told about the importance of networking for your future career. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is a common phrase professors like to tell their students. There is a hidden job market where internships and careers are only available by networking (approximately 80% of jobs are unadvertised). When the time comes to graduate, having a well-built network can open up opportunities you would have never known about.

The simplest way to begin networking is to attend networking events, career fairs and joining student societies. Active participation is the key to networking in college. At first networking seems stressful and awkward, but by getting involved with fellow peers the fear is eliminated. By joining a student society in your intended professional field you will network with many professionals and learn about events that will grow your network.

If you already have an internship that is even more of an opportunity to network. Network with as many people as possible during your internship; having valuable contacts later in life could be beneficial. Professors are also a great resource for networking; they will know of opportunities that could be of interest to you. Social media is a great tool for networking as well, specifically Twitter and LinkedIn. Follow and interact with companies you are interested in, people who seem influential in your chosen field or professional societies. You will learn of openings through posts or networking events that you may want to attend.

The don’ts of networking are simple: do not offer your resume unless you are asked for it, never lose your manners, never forget to introduce yourself, do not contact someone too many times without having them also contact you, and most importantly do not waste opportunities.

Check out this short video featuring Mike Harrison, former Regional Director for Business Networking International

Tips for successful networking:1. Have a good introduction ready (30 second pitch):
My name is…..
I am a _____ student in ______
I want to gain experience in _____
(or) my future career goal is _____2. Do your research
Always come prepared even if it is informal. Research as much about the company or event as you can using Google, LinkedIn, etc.3. Be Appropriately Dressed
First impressions are important; your image reflects more about you than you know.4. Bring extra copies of your resume5. Use Meaningful Conversational Skills
Interest in the person you are speaking with allows you to be genuine and opens the road for networking.6. Send a Thank You
Thank anyone and everyone who you meet or gives you advice. A simple email to keep in touch can help you develop a future network.

Have you started networking outside of school yet? Answer yes or no on our Facebook page!

http://www.migtri.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Networking-for-International-Students.png372672Beth Szurpickihttp://www.migtri.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/GTRI-Logo-300x87.jpgBeth Szurpicki2014-10-16 19:26:122014-10-28 19:42:45Networking for International Students: What You Need to Know

Client Success Specialist
This position is located within the Services and Support Department of 365 Retail Markets, and reports to the Client Success Manager. You will play a key role in ensuring that our clients receive a consistent and exceptionally positive experience at all times. Your primary role will focus on maintaining uninterrupted, optimal performance of the 365 product suite at all times across a diverse installation base.
In this role, you will provide direct client support via phone, web and email. You will be responsible for following the 365 support process to answer client calls, open and close support cases, document and communicate issues internally, and train clients to get the most out of their 365 solutions. You should enjoy tackling unobvious problems, working with time-sensitive clients of varying technical expertise, and in implementing systemic solutions that ensure localized issues are not repeated.Responsibilities

Senior QA Engineer
This position is located within the Project Management Department of 365 Retail Markets and reports to the Senior Project Manager. As the Senior QA Engineer you will lead the company’s test strategy, by defining and developing automated test systems that validate the functionality, performance, stability, and security of the company’s product line end-to-end. You must have a passion for quality and a strong motivation for delivering highly valuable products and solutions.Responsibilities

Participate in measuring and driving product quality from inception to release.

Define and implement the automated test framework for the company’s product line

Develop automated tests within this new framework and train other testers in the development of automated tests

Perform code reviews and be able to suggest design improvements

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Project Manager

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

Bachelor of Science in computer science or related fields or equivalent experience

Minimum of 3 years’ experience in test automation

Experience with development in languages like C#, .Net and SQL experience a big plus

Strong problem solving skills.

Working understanding of techniques for testing software, including but not limited to Agile techniques

Experience testing distributed client/server applications

Experience testing systems that combine application software with computer peripherals is a plus

Passion for software quality and for advancing testing as an engineering discipline

Ability to work within a small team with open and collaborative style of communications

.NET Programmer
This position is located within the IT Department of 365 Retail Markets. Candidate will assist development with multiple tasks, including conversion of legacy application to new VB.net, ASP.net, C#, WPF environments. Candidate will assist in documentation, database design, and assisting technical support with various problems.Responsibilities

Confirms project requirements by reviewing program objective, input data, and output requirements with analyst, supervisor, and sometimes the customer

Release Engineer
This position is located within the Technology Department of 365 Retail Markets. The Release Engineer will be responsible for all aspects of releasing new in-house and partner developed software into production. The Release Engineer will work closely with the SCRUM Masters and quality assurance team to design and manage development and test environments with responsibility for release management, deployment, and continuous improvement through process automation.Responsibilities

Manage the systems required to build, test and deploy software into a range of environments spanning the full software development lifecycle, in an agile environment. Responsible for the design and development of build scripts and installation procedures

Responsible for the accuracy and consistency of software builds. Devise and operate the processes needed to ensure software builds are fast, automated and reliable

Assess, plan and assist the development teams with the design of release packages prior for deployment into the market

Responsible for the availability and integrity of underlying systems, including source code control and issue tracking. Manage access control to these systems.

Ensure, where possible, that an automated approach is used for all aspects of software build and management, including automated testing

Responsible for enhancing the systems to meet evolving requirements

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science is required

A minimum of 5 years work experience in a software environment, with a minimum of 2 years in a Software Release Engineer role.

The body and security electronics engineer will be responsible for doing tasks related to the design and development of electronic modules. These modules contain features related to interior/exterior lighting, CAN and LIN gateways, inputs and outputs in the interior of the vehicle, as well as remote keyless entry, passive entry, ignition starting systems, memory/heated seats, security alarms and other. The engineer is responsible for working on specifications, diagnostics, component testing reviews such as DV and PV, DFMEAs, verification of software and change management. This engineer will work on modifications necessary to meet unique China requirements for the vehicle.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited university is required

1-5 years of experience. Knowledge of automotive electronics troubleshooting and equipment

Knowledge of CAN and LIN bus communications and associated tools

Basic software understanding and circuit analysis capability

Ability to learn quickly and to be very self sufficient

Excellent communication skills both oral and written

PREFERRED:

At least 3 years of automotive electronics in areas of body and security at a supplier or other OEM

Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited university

Responsible for directing the development and validation of Body Control Module (BCM) applications, which interacts with nearly every electrical system on the vehicle. Primary activities will consist of management of the supplier hardware and software development in meeting vehicle development milestones and deliverables. In addition, the engineer will be responsible for the validation of the delivered product and issue resolution. The position will require interfacing with many other client engineering groups, vehicle manufacturing plants and the module supplier. Travel will be limited to assembly plants in the U.S, Canada and Mexico and supplier locations in Mexico.

REQUIREMENTS:

BSEE required.

MSEE or MBA preferred.

At least two years’ experience in automotive electrical/electronics activity or related college project work and internship desired.

Specific experience with or knowledge of automotive electrical power systems and CAN communications preferred.

Strong verbal and written skills critical.

DFSS or Shainin training beneficial.

Will consider recent grads with relevant electrical college projects, co-ops, and internship.

Assist with the development and implementation of new system features using Java/PHP/CGI coding techniques to convert DDS green-screen definitions into a combination of HTML, RPG IV. Cascading Style Sheets and JavaScript. Responsibilities include performing assigned duties associated with the development, maintenance and enhancement of application programs and systems.

Responsibilities include creating and documenting architecture, hardware interfaces, schematics, data bus communication, behavior and communication requirements related to Connectivity and Infotainment features as applicable to specific vehicle programs. Also to create and document System DFMEA and system assembly Process Standards required for Connectivity and Infotainment Systems.

On Friday, April 11th our Director, Athena Trentin was awarded the Pineapple Award by the International Students at Grand Valley State University. The Pineapple award is given to those who extend hospitality in a meaningful way to the international student population. Beyond being delicious, the pineapple has a history as a symbol of hospitality. This excerpt from Pineapple History explains why:

“Pineapple as Hospitality Symbol In larger, well-to-do homes, the dining room doors were kept closed to heighten visitors’ suspense about the table being readied on the other side. At the appointed moment, and with the maximum amount of pomp and drama, the doors were flung open to reveal the evening’s main event. Visitors confronted with pineapple-topped food displays felt particularly honored by a hostess who obviously spared no expense to ensure her guests’ dining pleasure

In this manner, the fruit which was the visual keystone of the feast naturally came to symbolize the high spirits of the social events themselves; the image of the pineapple coming to express the sense of welcome, good cheer, human warmth and family affection inherent to such gracious home gatherings.”

On Saturday February 1st, GTRI held the Michigan’s Global Future conference for international students at GVSU to help educate them about getting a job in Michigan and connect them with employers. In addition, Athena spoke at the International Student Organizations Conference on Saturday, March 15th.

Athena was awarded the Pineapple Award to recognize her efforts as a Community Member.

Today’s economy: high growth, high prosperity, knowledge based. Driven by a fierce competition for college graduates and advanced degree holders. To succeed, Michigan must attract and retain a strong crop of educated people. Learn how GTRI is advancing this mission in Michigan.